PARIS: 10 Places to have un Café

By ‘un café’. I obviously mean a mocha latte or a glass of rosé, along with a little tarte, maybe some madeleines and of course, plenty of undisturbed lounging time à la Parisien. (You won’t actually find me talking much about coffee in this blog).

1. Un café with Fashion at Carmen Ragosta

It’s quite simple really, located just off the trendy and picturesque Canal Saint Martin, Carmen Ragosta is a little Parisian fashion boutique as well as a café/ restaurant. I really like the idea of being able to lounge with a coffee bottle of wine while eyeing up racks of beautiful clothes just feet away!

2. Un Cafe after the Museum at Les nuits des Thés

The Musée d’Orsay always seems to be a ‘must-see’ for every visitor in Paris. But once you’ve seen the pretty Monets and Manets, where to go? The grand museum is located right on the Seine in a bit of a no man’s land– there are no shops around to be seen so visitors usually begin on a 15 minute trek up the Seine to reach the livelier area around the Notre Dame. Instead, why not try a two minute walk to one of the prettiest tea houses in Paris? Turn to the rear exit of the Orsay, away from the river and find this cosy tea room where the little house dog warmly greets you and even joins you at the table if invited! Pastels, lace, dainty tea cups, delicious cake treats await you after your museum tour in a lovely neighborhood of beautiful furniture shops and baby boutiques.

4. Un Café with People Watching at Le Petit Fer a Cheval

As you should know by now, the Marais area is as well-roundedly trendy as you’re going to get in Paris. So where else better to people watch than on it’s most buzzing street? Le Petit Fer a Cheval is a charming century-old Parisian brasserie with a unique horse shoe-shaped bar. It feels like nothing has changed in its decor since the 1920s and it’s as cute as a button and about as small as a button too.

5. Un Café in peaceful Solitude at the Petit Palais

If you’re a writer in or visiting Paris, hoping to find that inspiring spot to produce your best work yet– look no further than the Café of the Petit Palais. Both spectacular and serene at the same time, the outdoor marble terrace of the café looking onto the inner courtyards of the Petit Palais are nothing short of inspiring. And I took that photo on a rainy day mid-winter so imagine it in Spring. On a weekday morning you can spend hours here come rain or shine this place is magic.

6. Un Café with a Book Club at La Fourmi Ailée

This little tea house doesn’t actually have a book club but I can’t figure out why. It would be the perfect setting for a weekly meet surrounded by a mini library of old books with pretty twinkle lights. Service here is a little slow but this is not the place to take a quick coffee. In fact La Fourmi has just about one of the longest tea menus in Paris. Take a book or take your own book club!

7. Un Café back in time at Priori des Thés

Having coffee in one of the beautiful Parisian arcades is a highly nostalgic experience. Take yourself back to the Belle Epoque at one of the most-loved and also one of the smallest tea houses in Paris. A little pricey but well worth the experience.

8. Un Café with the Cobblestones at le Pub Saint Germain

One of my favorite things about Paris are it’s cobblestone passages– for me this is what makes Paris most charming. At the back entrance of the Pub Saint Germain, this is my personal favorite spot to either bring a notebook and scribble away or have a glass of wine with a girlfriend late afternoon. Don’t forget to explore the passage, there is a beautiful courtyard just perpendicular to the Cour du Commerce.

Sitting alongside the cobblestones of the pub’s terrace, couples stroll pass quietly and you forget the St. Germain boulevard is just a few feet away. As evening falls, the passage is lit up by pretty lights– a perfect snapshot of Paris at night.

9. Un Café Americaine after shopping at Adele’s Family

For the comforts of home, American ex-pats might appreciate this one. And aside for the French thinking American coffee tastes like ‘sock juice’, I think the Parisians find this little coffee shop pretty charming too. Cute and colorful, serving up bagels and other American treats, this little café is also situated in an ideal location for boutique shopping. Everywhere you turn there are wonderful vintage boutiques and shoe shops.

10. Un Café with Grandmammy’s treats at Mamie Gateaux

You’ve got to be a bit of a gourmande in Paris (my translation: enjoy life, enjoy food), so let Mamie (grandma) take care of you. Quaint, kitchy and country, the scones here are heavenly, crumbly, warm and buttery served with a dollop of jam. Tea time heaven.

BONUS CAFE SPOT at La Maison Rose

Rue Abreuvoir, away from the bustle of the Sacre Coeur

It’s pink and it’s on a quiet cobblestone street at the back of Montmartre. Need I say more?